KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 11

Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun today inaugurated the 7th Mountain Festival amid a function organised at International Mountain Museum (IMM) premises.

On the occasion, Vice President Pun wished for the successful completion of the event organised by Nepal Mountaineering Association.

''NMA is doing unparalleled work in conserving mountain environments and promoting Mountain Tourism'', VP Pun said, adding, ''This festival also has its importance in making people aware of mountains and mountain environment conservation. I would like to extend my gratitude to NMA for organising such a program and wish this festival to be success.''

Citing the COVID-19 effects in tourism sector, the Vice President requested the government to assign NMA with more responsibility to promote Nepal's mountain tourism. ''NMA is asking the Government of Nepal for permission to promote more mountains in Nepal. This will surely benefit the whole nation. Therefore, I would like to recommend the Government of Nepal to allow NMA with their request.'

'I have heard that we have more than eight eight-thousanders in Nepal. However, only eight of them have been internationally approved. The Government of Nepal should try to convince all the international communities and approve all our eight-thousanders. The government of Nepal should entrust NMA for this job.''

VP Pun further stressed on the importance of conserving the mountain-environment. ''We are experiencing the effects of global warming. We should work together to mitigate the effects of such natural calamities. Otherwise, it will cost us dearly.'

On the occasion, various record holder climbers with outstanding achievements in mountaineering were awarded with medals and felicitated with letters of appreciation.

NMA had awarded renowned mountaineers Kami Rita Sherpa and Sanu Sherpa with NMA outstanding achievement medals in men's category and Nimi Sherpa, Lhakpa Futi Sherpa, Phunjo Jhangmu Lama and Purnima Shrestha in the women's category for their unmatched records and contribution.

Kami Rita holds the record of most successful ascents of Mt Everest. He is the first and only man to successfully scale thr Everest 26 times while Sanu Sherpa is the first and only man to have successfully completed the double ascent of all the 14 eight-thousanders. Meanwhile, Nimi and Lhakpa Futi are Nepal's first batch of women climbers.

Likewise, Phunjo is the fastest Nepali woman to have successfully climbed Mt Everest and Purnima Shrestha is the first Nepali woman photographer to have successfully summited most eight-thousanders of the world.

Nima Doma Sherpa, Furdiki Sherpa, first female Everest climber from Hyolmo community Kanchhi Dolma Hyolmo, and from Bhote community Nisha Bhote were also felicitated with letters of appreciation for their unique achievement in expedition.

At the same event, the Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah award was handed to Mingma Gelu Sherpa and Dr Harka Gurung Award to Ngagyalyen Sherpa. NMA has been awarding various personalities with these awards every year on the basis of their contribution to mountain tourism and mountain environment conservation.

The inauguration ceremony also saw the presence of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jeewan Ram Shrestha, Secretary of MoCTCA Suresh Adhikari and other dignitaries of Nepali tourism industry.

The two-day event will showcase mountain products, screens documentaries, exhibits various sports i.e., Chhelo (stone throwing), archery, bouldering and organise various sessions covering different topics in the presence of students, tourism entrepreneurs and academicians.